How to Open a Watch Case With Common Household Items Without Proper Tools

[@edcwatches]

Here is a remake with better audio tinyurl.com/ydgoal48

[@frankthecat]

I know it may sound silly. But my Aunt who is 84 had a watch that her husband gave her that needed a new battery. It sat for years because no one could get the back off. This video saved the day. Thanks for it.

[@ghall441]

Followed your directions for the snap on back. Used a small pocket knife. The watch back had a little arrow pointing to the pry-point. Took a few tries, but finally worked. No cuts, no scratches, no errors. Thanks for the video.

[@AlRoblesTV]

Mine had no pry point I've checked everywhere anything guess the company didn't want to replaceable

[@revcole7]

Thanks for your video. I bought a special tool to remove a screw back/waterproof watch which was frankly useless but with your needle-nose pliers idea it worked perfectly and because you can grip with the pliers laterally you have less chance of scratching the back! I have now used this with two watches to great success - thanks!

[@edcwatches]

Cole Maynard thank you !

[@aleks1203]

Thank-you for your helpful video! I have a Timex (snap back) watch. I carefully removed the back with a small pocket knife. After replacing the battery, I placed the watch upside down on a thin foam pad. I then popped the back on with a small vitamin bottle, bottle cap on top of watch back. Luckily, I had a bottle lid that was virtually the same diameter as the watch back. I didn't think it would be so easy! All the best.

[@delmar2948]

All these years later and this helped a lot! Thank you! ✌

[@stevemedhurst4560]

Great video. Thank you so much for the upload. It took me 20 minutes to do mine thanks to this vid also saved £10 in repair fees from a shop. Once again thank you.

[@BoogerBoy365]

Thanks. I've never opened a watch before and didn't have any special watch tools. I got it right open thanks to your video.

[@edcwatches]

glad it worked for you :)

[@deborahoramajama3603]

I opened my Fossil with a pair of scissors that were a little square that fit right in the screw back. No scratches. But if you worry, you could put some tape on the back.

[@Soma874]

Thanks a lot mate. After a week of trying I can finally change this battery. It's such a small motion to lever it and quite a lot of force.

[@edcwatches]

+Soma874 cheers

[@sophiaisabella9232]

Thank you for sharing this. I have a Guess watch and I wasn't aware that the back was a "screw on" type so I thought I had to pry it off. Your video explained perfectly how to take the back off. I used a pair of needle-nose pliers and it worked great!

[@rickn.5613]

Great you tube tip on using common household tools to replace a watch battery. The battery replacement took less than five minutes.. Thanks.....

[@edcwatches]

cheers !

[@futfut1]

thanks, very helpful. I used the small blade of a Swiss army knife to open a snap back. I also wore mechanic's gloves to prevent any injuries.

[@edcwatches]

thats a smart idea, I use a very dull knife Swiss army blades are very sharp

[@ufewl]

PLEASE BE AWARE - Some watches appear to be screw-backs but are actually snap-backs. My was, I found out after nearly killing myself trying to screw the back I managed to get a good grip with the pliers but still could not budge it using all the force I could muster. However I then noticed a little ridge which looked like it was designed to take a knife under so I got my pen knife, put it under the ridge and flipped it open first time!! Please thumb me up as others might have the same problem, it might save some a lot of grief, I spent half an hour trying to screw the back off mine, but it snapped off easily in seconds!!

[@KyoruMizuruki]

Jesus fuck i gave up on my cheapo china watch and saw this comment, popped right off. Thanks lad

[@Robertas919]

thanks a lot. Managed to change my watches battery with your help. Putting that lid back on my Casio was a real struggle...

[@merlcover1567]

Thanks once again;before this video I was unable to open my Manhattan Watch with the snap- back.I was successful using a Super Sport Pocket Knife.I was pleasantly surprised at the ease of opening.Now all I need now is to go and buy a 1.5 volt Sony Battery. Thanks for sharing.I really appreciate it!!

[@edcwatches]

+Robinson cheers mate

[@Russellrks]

Nothing worked for me until I heard you say "Use a caliper." I have a digital caliper measuring tool for automotive use and it worked perfectly! Thank you!

[@edcwatches]

+Russellrks cheers !

[@BatRanger]

Thank you! Walmart will not open watches that weren't bought from there. I'm glad to see that I don't need to buy any special tools!

[@gamercatsz5441]

Hey guys, thanks for this informative video! In the end I used a pair of sizors to open the back of the watch instead of pliers. My favorite watch had dead batteries for years, I changed the SR920SW battery ant it's working again! So happy XD

[@ufewl]

You can also try hitting it with a sledgehammer but getting it back together again can be tricky.

[@angelaguirre5073]

very usefull info

[@luckcity2310]

I tried it but now my 40k watch is a bunch of peices but I’ll work on it because the personal healer wouldn’t fix it

[@shayylol]

Luckcity23 IT WAS A JOKE

[@chilly1661]

Shay 13 Are you dumb?

[@Anthony_in_Bloomington_Indiana]

You could also try posting an intelligent comment, instead of one that reads like it was written by a dim wit 7 grade boy, but that can be tricky . . . for you.

[@yashshrinegi]

Thankyou.My tommy watch back wasnt closing..ur video helped me so much.Pressed it with a rolling pin and it snapped so easily.thnx a ton

[@survivalkraft]

Nice video! I have scarred up the back of my watches by doing this wrongly...I wish I would have seen this earlier! Blessings, my friend!

[@edcwatches]

thanks mate, no worries you can polish them with some fine grit sand paper or nail buffer and thanks for watching

[@brianwilson6884]

Is wrongly even a word?

[@jerrylong1079]

@@brianwilson6884 Does it matter, has your world been upended trying to find out if wrongly is even a word? I will put my life on hold until you find the answer to this eternal question.

[@poojamurchoyea7783]

Was wondering how to open my snap back watch. I am so grateful for this video. 🌸 Thank you so much 💓

[@neryspartridge1368]

Thanks for this, had 3 snap back cheap watches I use day to day and your technique worked perfectly!

[@edcwatches]

Nice work!

[@dorothyeaston3393]

Fantastic, thank you. Found the little arrow and used tiny scissors. Stabbed thumb with a knife first though!!

[@romanengelbrecht6717]

this video deserves to be at the top of the list when i search for how to open my watch without tools....dope my G simple

[@andrewkendall7814]

Thank you! Just 1:32 in and there was my answer. Five minutes later I'd opened the back of old watch been sitting in the drawer for years!

[@ferealnight3596]

Well i am new and younger for a expensive watches but now i can open and see them huge thanks man huge thanks

[@saxgrrrl]

Brilliant! I did it - thank you for showing me how. I didn't know about the two types of watch backs. Now I changed the battery in an old el cheapo snap back type using a kitchen knife! Saved from the throw away :)

[@edcwatches]

+saxgrrrl alright :)

[@brianboru636]

Thanks mate, just saved me around £30 as Ive 2 watches needing batteries. One snapback the other screw on. Cheers.

[@vidarkristiansen6114]

Worked like a charm. And you wont scratch it if you have a normal degree of body control and a firm grip. :) Just changed the battery on my 33year old Seiko Quartz, Yiihaaa..

[@edcwatches]

Vidar Kristiansen alright , make sure to close it tight back again otherwise it wont be as waterproof..cheers

[@andyf3854]

Thanks for posting! I didn't have needle nose pliers but your video gave me the idea to (carefully) use a pair of scissors which worked a treat!

[@edcwatches]

+andyf3854 it is important just to know how it works .. you can also use caliper

[@hannukononen6141]

Thanks for the video. For anyone thinking doing this yourself for your snap back watch: Things to consider and difficulties you may encounter include: 1. Finding a suitable tool/ knife to pry with. My old leatherman had a good slim blade, so i could pry the snap back against the frame/start of wristband (was also Esprit watch). There was a tiny ledge in the upper right corner of the cover. There is a good chance of injuring yourself with the slipping knife as well. 2. Finding a replacement battery, the old one was SR621SW and i just happened have a L621, which should be equivalent, but would not stay place in the watch. Measured with a digital caliber, the old one was 2.09 millimeters, new one 2.19 millimeters. The extra tenth of manufacturing error(?) made the battery not stay in it's place, there was a tiny clip which would not reach top of the battery. Filed the new battery down to 2.10 -2.13 millimeters with the leatherman i had, went to it's place. (ace fix) 3. Getting the snap lid back on. The watch i worked on was very stubborn, and the seal also was needed to be placed very carefully. I don't have huge fingertip power and it would just pop from another side if i got other side to hold. Ended up using a small tabletop vice with some post-its to protect the watch. (careful or you'll end up buying a new watch for your girlfriend). It didn't really pop back with this approach, just was pushed back to it's place nicely. 4. You might ruin the gasket/rubber seal and water resistance as well and still have to take it to the shop.(or waste your time hunting for a replacement) If you don't have the proper tools and a replacement battery at hand, it's not worth the hassle to diy this one, instead save cutting yourself and some time. Overall took an hour, mostly getting the lid back on, which i could have spent more wisely, for e.g. drinking beer. :) But I think I'll order a tool kit/gaskets from some chinese web shop for future repairs. I wouldn't fix a high end watch, but for cheap watches this might be economical with proper tools and so.

[@jedicaakee6338]

*íu/

[@kevinwhite6091]

Spot on mate I was trying with a small clock screwdriver , but no joy .so used a pen knife like on your vid . popped of straight away cheers mate 5 star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@theprior46]

With snap-backs it's a good trick to make a felt tip pen mark on the back and the frame side where you found the spot that allowed prising the back off. Then when you come to put it back, align the back to the same spot it was removed from (rotationally correct) and it will usually snap back more easily than if you try to get it to snap in in a different orientation around the frame.

[@GNU_Linux_for_good]

I found a watch opener at Amazon for € *0.95* ! Although the idea using flat pliers is brilliant, it isn't worth risking to scratch your precious watch.

[@rcole6679]

Good points! I’d be very careful using needle nose. Don’t know what Jaxa wrenches cost, bit I’d look into it first.

[@rajshrinagrale805]

its amazing video. a watch machanic tried open my watch back but he said that the back cant open and my watch is got useless now , but when i watch this video my watch,s back got open quickly . Really thanks for it

[@rajshrinagrale805]

amazing

[@echochambers8418]

Goo job with the ideas...only thing I’d add when opening a case back is putting a piece of tape to help not scratching the back.And only a junk knife as you will eventually nick the blade.

[@kateyare4708]

Thanks. This is just the information I needed to replace the battery on the watch I bought on clearance at Walmart for $3.

[@swampcast]

Thanks for sharing. Not everyone wants to DIY and I don't begrudge a watchmaker fair due for his work. However, it's great to know how to do it.

[@edcwatches]

+swampcast thanks mate

[@jeaniedoherty414]

swampcast o

[@jeaniedoherty414]

swampcast mk

[@vikkim5502]

To replace back I use an eyelash curler. It can be a cheap $ store one, just use the padded side on the face of watch. Size and curve are perfect and usually one snap on either side does the trick.

[@darolfitch8917]

Just wanted you to know ,after watching this video. I changed out batteries in three watches . Had a little trouble reinstalling the back on one of them, but with a little persistence it went back together. Thank you for sharing this. I used a small sharp knife as a tool. Thank You

[@edcwatches]

good job

[@csmith5736]

Thank you! Took me less than 2 minutes to get the back off and my watch fixed! Wonderful tutorial!

[@bravobear1844]

Funny how KZbin always happened to have at least one video of what I’m looking for specifically👌 thanks bro

[@edcwatches]

cheers!

[@carroyo911]

Thank you so much, this was very helpful. I used the slimmest blade I could find in the house and it worked like a charm...

[@tallminion1142]

Yeah i used a very small screwdriver for a Technos watch

[@AFXGaming]

thankyou, you helped me straighten my watch face, for some reason it's loose in there and not held down by anything so it moves sometimes lol it was crooked for so long!

[@the1texasmccoy]

Awesome video, thank you. I got the back of my watch off with a butter knife and a kitchen towel in less than a minute. I found it helpful to hold/press the watch against the edge of the table, which made it easier to get the angle right to pop the back off.

[@MrDaiseymay]

In 1961, my brother bought me a good quality 'Camy' watch, while he was in the Army, in Belgium. It had a impressed message on the back, celebrating the first Sputnik in space. A few years later, it needed a service. I couldn't locate a dealership for it, so had to settle for a 'local' jeweler. He badly damaged the back, trying to remove it, saying he needed SPECIAL tools to remove the back, so had to use something else ( hammer and chissel I think). I still have the Watch, but despite many attempts, have never located a replacement back panel.

[@cher128bx]

Lots of views for your video and, 300 thumbs up! Great! Lots of people, including myself, really want to know how to change their watch batteries! Thanks for helping out a lot of people! :)

[@edcwatches]

+Cheryl S. its my pleasure to see how many people find it useful :) thank you for your kind comment ! :)

[@andrewwarshaw4545]

Great video. Opened my Timex Indiglo with a knife after watching your video.

[@bobbyr888]

Thanks I found success the first time I used your video, and I am so happy!!!

[@GloriaWuhoo]

Thank you! Your video helped me open up my watch. It was difficult though.

[@huyanhle]

I used "kitchen chopping board" to press closing the lid of watch with my bare hand, and it worked perfect. Off course I had a thick cloth underneat the watch to support against scratches or crackw when I did this

[@gary15761]

Thanks , it worked with the pliers, cant believe i didnt think about that.

[@lucklassen]

Thank you for this video. I was able to unscrew my watch back cover using your instructions.

[@wylie3465]

Thanks. Got some needle nosed pliers and took the back off my watch and replaced the battery for the first time in my life.

[@reza9411]

I hadn't that tool, and I used a scissor and I hold it with a napkin. It worked perfectly. Last time it cost 15$ for it. This time I bought five 377 batteries from Dollarama for 1.25$. Huge difference.

[@AB-lh5kc]

$13.75 difference to be exact

[@kuleilani]

thank you so much, i have no tools for watch except the household tools your video helps

[@edcwatches]

Wong Fu thanks !

[@kevins7363]

If you are looking for blade to pop the back off, a wood chisel (bevel side down) works great!

[@damiagrinada4674]

i was having hard time opening my watch it has screw back i didnt know i need the tool key to open it i just find out by watching ur video now i will have to buy the tool thank you

[@niedviet]

F....cking great!!! Just wondered what tool I will need to opene it and old kitchen knife did the job. Never tought about it. Thanks buddy!!

[@auntskippy]

Thank you! Very well done: clear, comprehensive, concise, verygood visual and sound quality.

[@edcwatches]

Lynn Duvall thank you very much !

[@RavinderKumar-nr9vy]

Very useful I open my watch in 1 attempt thankyou for this video ♥️♥️💖💖🥰🥰

[@robfellows4096]

Worked on a snap back as you were doing the demo - using a precision screwdriver! Thanks 😎

[@edcwatches]

Nice work!

[@s.m.2366]

Thanks very much. This is so useful and will save me a lot of time and $$$.

[@carolmontalto622]

So I bought this "watch tools battery kit"...useless! Thank you for detailed video with tips for the novice. Carol

[@lbsiuk]

I use 2 rubbers to "sandwich" a screw-back watch and then twist them to open. If you have the right size of rubber, it is a very effective way to open screw-backs. No scratches, plus it's easy!

[@uletmeseeu]

This video on how to open various watch cases without the proper tools was very informative. Thanks, I hope you'll doing fine.

[@edcwatches]

Thank you for watching

[@natasha20072008]

Your video gave me an idea and I used a cuticle remover tool to open the back of my watch..... I'm surprised that it actually worked and for the first time, I replaced a watch battery by myself... I wish I thought of this earlier and kept all the watches I threw away because the battery was dead...... DAMN IT!

[@edcwatches]

Natasha M. haha I am glad it helped ..just make sure you screw it back on tight so it can be safe from water

[@tinivanroozendaal1123]

Very useful. Thank you very much.

[@edcwatches]

Tini van Roozendaal thank you

[@highwaymaintainer]

thanks pal, worked LIKE A CHARM

[@youpayformyshit]

Worked perfectly on a snapback. Thanks!

[@danleyander]

i didnt opened my watch instead i opened my finger :(

[@ufewl]

+Danrey Aleyander Igno Yea it can be dangerous, also some watches which appear to be scree-back as actually snap-backs.

[@andrewpolitano]

Absolutely terrible idea to open a press back with a knife. Just go buy yourself a kit for 20 bucks and do it correctly no matter how cheap the watch.

[@ufewl]

Andy it is easy enough to use a knife, just make sure it is not a razor sharp one then there is no much chance of cutting yourself

[@jccox1718]

Danrey Aleyander Igno same

[@flick4556]

i stabbed my finger whit a knife opening the screw one :(

[@LazuruStorm1138]

Thanks for this. I was so confused because I’ve never changed a crap watch battery before.

[@mmmtaylor4266]

Thank you. After all that it's not the battery size of my last watch so off to the store I go but now I know.

[@bexxy2407]

Thanks for the tips, I found I had a cuticle removal tool that works fantastically, just changed eight watch batteries. Many thanks 💙

[@edcwatches]

Excellent!

[@mezina92]

THANK YOU. I have a twist-back watch and kept trying to pop it off.

[@randyearles9286]

thank you for the video. no lousy music or graphics

[@melisseclark7308]

Screw backs unscrew nicely with a lump of Blue Tack & a bit of pressure : ) No slips or scratches

[@philyamascunt7518]

Melisse Clark I got a huge box of blue tack cloth for free and I use them on a lot of things but never thought of using the tack cloth on the back of my watch. Thanks for the tip I now need to know what kind of knife that is that EDC Gunner used in this video

[@6thSense]

Thank you very much, the video was so useful to me. I have a question please : I have guess watch model no. 113515G1, this watch I tried to change the battery, but when I did I damage the closer where it should be over the battery, then I use a small aluminum sheet and put it instead of that, the watch working very well and after 3 days the second hand is working continually and the other not. the minute hand and hour not working. Please, can you help me? Thank you again.

[@edcwatches]

take it to a professional watch maker

[@robertemanuel7664]

A great video! Thank you for making it, and thanks especially for giving close-up views with plenty of light. Your explanations are perfect. I wish I had thought to check for such instructions years ago!

[@edcwatches]

Robert Emanuel thank you Sir !

[@nevamind68t23]

Thanks mate, still useful in 2021. Cheers 👍🏾

[@adrianotero7963]

Have a Citizen Stiletto that I need to replace the battery.....removing the caseback was a chore.... so was putting it back on.....next battery change I think I will replace the watch.

[@NickC702]

Right on bro, a quick little video and I got exactly the info I was looking for, thanks!

[@jobayerjeshan9752]

Very helpfull video. Thanks a lot brother . Love from bangladesh

[@edcwatches]

You are most welcome. Hello Bangladesh!

[@DBTechYT]

Super helpful! Thanks for this!

[@pennyboyer5574]

worked great - especially the information on taking the back off and getting it back on (snap type).

[@edcwatches]

+Penny Boyer glad it helped Miss Boyer

[@bartman2860]

Thank you it worked. I dropped a like.

[@tudocervera3764]

awesome information my friend... worked out perfect..

[@philliphalbom5779]

thank you to the point and informative.

[@shsumd]

Great video! I broke the thin black rubber band while I was twisting the cover back on, so I threw the rubber band away. Is the black rubber band needed for anything? My watch seems to work without it. Thanks.

[@edcwatches]

+shsumd it prevents the water from entering the watch case .. your watch is no longer waterproof so keep it away from water .. watchmaker can replace it or you can order online and replace yourself.. its called gasket

[@theresachiorazzi4571]

I do it all the time with a pen knife but protect your eyes in case something flies. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@thiagopereira5194]

Great tip buddy! Worked with all my watches. If all youtube videos were useful/helpful like this one...

[@edcwatches]

Glad it helped

[@mhlewis42]

Your video was a big help to me. Thank you.

[@edcwatches]

Mariann Lewis thanks :)

[@gsingh-gb9nx]

I love you bro I just did this whit some cheap stuff and it worked

[@hawaiidispenser]

Good video. Something about your voice is very compelling.

[@edcwatches]

hawaiidispenser thank you so much !

[@linward13]

+hawaiidispenser Sounds like Peter Lorrie

[@royd7984]

I was given an older quartz watch with no battery. Please tell me the most common battery used in many quartz watches. Thanks very much for any advice.

[@EbkMelly.]

Needle Nose Pliers Worked, Just Be Ready To Scratch The Back Of Your Watch Was Not A Big Deal To Me Thanks For The Help!!!!!!!

[@brianmsahin]

If anyone is still watching this, don't use that metal tool to open the caseback, all you need is rubber ball, press it hard against the caseback and turn it. Most watches will open and you can use the same method to close it. You can actually buy specific balls from watch tools suppliers but you can use any ball that has a grippy surface. No danger of scratches.

[@peggyselli3585]

Very helpful. nice slow pace to view watch back, good verbal instruction

[@edcwatches]

Peggy Selli thanks !